"Somewhere along my musical journey, it became a goal of mine to be a crafter of songs rather than just another songwriter. Imagery, storytelling, blending emotion with musical twists is where it’s at for me." - Travis Cooper
Growing up in Wisconsin, not exactly a musical hotbed, Travis was influenced early by his dad's classic rock album collection. Moving and growing from those roots, he discovered more blues, bluegrass and classic country. While guitar players like Doc Watson, Tony Rice, Brent Mason and several blues based players would influence his playing style, it was song craftsmen like Chris Whitley, Gordon Downie (Tragically Hip), Guy Clark and Townes Van Zandt that would shape the song-writer based road he wanted to take.
Starting to play guitar at 14 it was his dad's visit to Fame Music Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL that the writing bug bit.
"I had a revelation at 15 that I should be writing my own songs. During that time The Black Crowes had their first album out, and I just knew that I wanted to do that too. That and I always loved to read, which I think if you're going to write anything of value, you should study the best. The Bible to E.L. Masters. Steinbeck to Frost. Those writing styles influenced me a lot. As well as the artwork of Thomas Hart Benton. My musical approach will always have a more traditional feel. My challenge is to always find little things to throw me off a bit so it will open up something new with the form, which to me, is timeless."
Despite having strong influences, Travis hopes to have his own sound. "I make a lot of little nods to my heroes in my writing. I guess in my own way to just to let them know that I'm really listening. "
